Homophobia Mention //

(Sam's P.O.V.)

"-Ralph was sick. Not visible like smallpox, but no less dangerous and contagious. A sickness of the mind. You see, Ralph was a homosexual-." The monotone voice droned on and despite the fact that I should. I couldn't care less about the bullshit propaganda that the ancient film was spewing out and my classmates were intently watching.

Intently watching as if they hadn't seen it before. Which was impossible since this wasn't the first time we had to watch it. Or even something like it. Since it became a countrywide rule, years back, that American schools are supposed to show films like these to teach kids about the dangers that come from liking your same gender.

Dangers.

I know, right? That's bullshit.

The fact that 'homosexuality' is still considered a problem that needs to be dealt with to this day, is honestly crazy.

But no matter how crazy it is; it's the reality I'm living in. Living in despite the fact that I never asked for it. I never asked to live in this time and I'd be lying if I said I, to this day, enjoy any part of it. Though if you were to ask anyone else, they would very easily beg to differ. Which is very likely because they're not the ones being singled out.

They're not the ones that have to deal with their own bullshit every day. I do. But I've grown up with it, so it's nothing new and I've gotten used to blocking it out.

All of it.

Whether it be from students, faculty, family, and even random strangers. Call it sort of a defense mechanism. Because that's how I use it. What I don't let bother me, can't bother me. Or so, that's the goal.

Laying my head on the desk in front of me, so I don't have to listen to the film anymore, I sigh.

And doing this works, most the time, me not getting caught 'sleeping' in class rather than paying attention to the stupid repetitiveness of our 'lesson'.

Most of the time, but not always.

"I'm sorry, is this educational film too boring for you Mr. Mills?" My teacher asks.

Yup, there it is.

This is one of those times.

"Well," I say, simply sitting up with a shrug, "if you wanted honesty, that's all you had to say."

"Mills-" he starts, watching me with a look of great intensity on his stupid face.

His stupid face that every time I have his class, see him, hear his name, or even think of him, makes me want to hit my head against the wall, repetitively.

"Yes, the answer is yes," I say, bluntly, for why should I really care?

It's called freedom of speech. My rights are protected by the first amendment. Which, no matter how fucked up this country has become, still stands. So what's the worst they can do? Call home and have my entire student body accuse me of being gay myself?

Well, sure that should be a problem, but not for me since it's nothing new. Nothing ever is.

"And is there a reason why would that be?" Mr. Stupid Face questions and as I was about to respond, I get cut off by Kyle.

Which honestly doesn't surprise me. Since of course, it's him. I mean, who else would it be?

Because in my life, who else would have the audacity to join into a conversation like this when they're clearly not supposed to be part of it just to annoy the crap out of me?

No one but Kyle.

"Because little Samuel over here is just much a faggot as they are in the video and he's offended."

"Bradley" Actually Satan warns, threateningly, now bringing his attention to Kyle.

And before you ask, no, he's not doing it to defend me. Of course not, he's too much of an asshole to do good for anyone else but himself. Me included and especially.

Really, it's just because he doesn't like people talking out in his class.

Oh well, what a shame that Kyle doesn't care.

"Is that right Samuel?" He smirks, probably feeling so proud of himself, "Aw, am I hurting your feelings? Are you going to go cry to your faggot boyfriend about it?" He says, which in turn leads to the class erupting in laughter and Mr. Martin, as our teacher is named, just sighs.

Well, fuck you too then.

I'm so glad school sets up such a comfortable environment where students can feel safe being themselves. Note the sarcasm: it's 95% of what comes out of my mouth.

Choosing to ignore Kyle as I usually do, I decided to finally answer the teacher's question, "It's bullshit Mr. Martin and you know it. This is so outdated. Which should give it away. We're living in a world full of computers and electronics and stuff that the people back then could only dream of. Yet, here we are watching an old 'film', which is more of old propaganda than anything, on an ancient film projector of all things. Does that not say something? It sure as hell should"

"Well, Mr. Mills. It's important to learn about the past so we don't make the same mistakes as they did" is all he mutters in response. Which I call bullshit.

"What mistakes?" I scoff, "What are these mistakes, really? Are they: actually learning to treat everyone equally instead of choosing a select few to treat like the dog shit under your shoe? Or is it something else? Please do tell, I would love to know why I'm always being treated the way I'm being treated." I ask and Mr. Stupid Face now looks mad.

Surprise, surprise, Satan himself can't take a little criticism and be told when he is wrong. Which is quite often, may I add. Now all that's missing is-

"That's it, Mills, go to the principal's office" he exclaims and there it is.

That's all. That's usually where it ends. He takes his seat and I leave, but today, before I do, I decide to wait until I am finished.

"Gladly. I don't want to deal with this bullshit anymore. Hopefully, by the time I'm off suspension, which we all know is coming, you guys will have your heads out of your asses. Though I doubt that. So, before I leave, I leave you all with this: if you have to take anyway anything from this video, take away the homosexuality aspect of it. Since, if you do that then it would actually make a decent video about avoiding pedophiles and rapists. The actual problems. But you won't, so no thank you and fucking goodbye."